5 Common Plants That Attract Snakes — Why You Should Remove Them for Safety

5 Plants That May Attract Snakes — and How to Keep Your Yard Safe

While a beautiful garden can be a source of joy and relaxation, some popular plants might be inviting more than just admiration — they could be drawing in snakes. If you live in an area where snake sightings are common, knowing which plants can attract them is a smart step toward keeping your property safe.

Here are five plants that may unknowingly make your yard more appealing to snakes, plus tips to help reduce the risk of an encounter.

1. Plumbago: Pretty but Potentially Problematic

With its vibrant blue blooms and long flowering season, plumbago is a favorite among gardeners. However, its sweet scent — especially in late spring and early summer — may attract snakes.

The fragrance can draw snakes into your yard without you realizing it. If you love this plant, consider placing it farther from your home or opt for a less fragrant alternative.

2. Hedyotis Diffusa: Damp-Loving and Snake-Friendly

Also known as creeping herb, Hedyotis Diffusa thrives in moist, shady areas — the same kind of environment that many snakes prefer. Its tiny white flowers may look innocent, but the plant’s ideal conditions make it a possible magnet for snakes.

If you’re landscaping in a snake-prone region, it might be best to leave this one out of your garden plan.

3. Purple Cardamom: Attracts Prey — and Predators

Praised for its medicinal uses, particularly for digestion, purple cardamom also has a downside. It can attract small animals like rodents and porcupines, which are common prey for snakes.

By luring in these smaller creatures, purple cardamom may inadvertently invite snakes too. Consider keeping this herb away from your home or skipping it altogether if snakes are a concern in your area.

4. Jasmine: Fragrant but Risky

Jasmine’s intoxicating aroma makes it a garden favorite — but it could be putting out the welcome mat for snakes. The strong scent is believed to attract them, especially in warm climates.

If you love jasmine, try planting it farther from doorways and windows, or limit its use near high-traffic areas of your yard.

5. Pineapple: Not Just for Smoothies

You might not expect pineapples to be a snake attractant, but they can be. The fruit often draws in small animals like rodents, and where there are rodents, snakes tend to follow.

If you’re growing pineapples at home and live in a snake-prone area, it's a good idea to place them well away from your house — or reconsider planting them altogether.

Snake-Proofing Your Yard: Extra Precautions

Avoiding certain plants is just the beginning. Here are a few additional ways to make your outdoor space less inviting to snakes:

• Keep grass trimmed: Snakes prefer tall, unkempt grass where they can hide. Regular mowing makes your yard less appealing to them.

• Seal entry points: Check your home's foundation, windows, and doors for cracks or gaps that snakes could use to get inside.

• Use natural repellents: Products containing cinnamon or clove oil — or specially formulated snake repellents — can be effective when applied around the edges of your garden.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Understanding which plants may attract snakes — and taking proactive steps to manage your garden — can help protect your family and pets. With mindful landscaping and regular upkeep, you can enjoy your outdoor space with greater peace of mind.